Titanic

Who couldn't have guessed that this movie would do well? By 1997, James Cameron had already made a reputation as a director of blockbuster films. Given that, and the tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic, this film was a recipe for success from the get go.

"Titanic" tells the story of Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater, passengers on the prime voyage of Titanic. Dawson, played by Leo DiCaprio, is a poor American who wins his passage onto the Titanic is a game. Rose, played by Kate Winslet, is a wealthy passenger in the first class section of the Titanic.

As Rose reconsiders the life she is about to lead and her engagement to Cal Hockley, played by Billy Zane, Jack finds her and calms her down. This first encounter leads to the formation of a relationship that both of them desire: for Jack, he has found a great girl he can spend time with in America; for Rose, she has found a boy who can break her out of her aristocratic shell.

Naturally, as their love reaches it's peak, Titanic hits an iceberg. I think we all saw that one coming. Struggling to survive, Jack and Rose's relationship is put to the test and their true priorities come out.

"Titanic" is made to make you cry. From the theme "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion, to the romantic connection you can see between Jack and Rose. It is entrancing and the audience is left stunned. How else would a movie where the ending is pretty much known already earn a billion dollars?

The last hour of this film is depressing, as it should be. The sinking of the Titanic was a scary event, after all. But I feel James Cameron took things a little too far. There is literally nothing happy about the last hour of the film. So if that's what you're expecting, I really wouldn't see this film.

"Titanic" is not a great film. It is a good film with an atmosphere that breeds success. It is romantic, it is tear-worthy, and it pulls at our heart strings. With that said, it is at the same time filled with some cheesy writing and predictable twists.

Grade: B

Qualities:
Appeals to many audiences (not children, for nudity) - Box Office
Flawed characters - Oscar
Entrances the audience - Box Office
High-billed actors - Box Office and Oscar